The Hepste and Mellte Falls
(Allow 75 minutes each way)
The walks on these two rivers are not easy and are often very
steep and slippery. They should be attempted only by those who are
suitably equipped and it is recommended visitors use the way-marked
advised paths.
These are the Sgwd yr Eira on the Hepste, and the Upper, Middle
and Lower Clungwyn on the Mellte (otherwise known as Sgwd Clungwyn,
Sgwd Isaf Clungwyn and Sgwd y Pannwr).
Start from the Craig-y-Ddinas car park and follow the steep path
which rises to the left between the rock and the river Mellte. You
will pass the entrances to the old Silica Mines and traverse open
moorland to a gate into a conifer planted area and on to
Sgwd-yr-Eira.
The fascination of Sgwd yr Eira is that you can easily walk
behind the cascade on what was once used as a sheep drover's track.
This pathway leads to the Lower Cilhepste Fall and, by tramping
through the woods, to the Clungwyn Falls.
Some way above these falls lie the Porth-yr-Ogof Caves, but they
are another story.......
Alternative routes to the caves and the Clungwyn falls may be
started from Gwaun Hepste car park. This is reached by taking the
minor road off the A4059 (which links the A465 at Hirwaun with the
A470 over the Beacons) about a mile north of Penderyn. In another
mile fork left, and turn left again a few hundred yards later.
Waymarked paths give a choice of routes from here.
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Last Updated: 25.05.2010 at 09:21